BCG Nurse wins Care home Nurse of the Year Award
One of Scotland’s leading care home providers, BCG, is celebrating one of its very special nurses, after she has been recognised as the very best in the country - winning the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), Care Home Nurse of the Year Award, for the exceptional care she gives to her residents.
Lori Fisher, Service Quality Manager and Registered General Nurse (RGN) who consistently makes a significant impact across BCG’s care homes, has been honoured with the sector’s top award. Having devoted her career to the care sector since the age of 16, Lori’s dedication and leadership have been widely recognised at a national level. Lori’s win marks the second time a BCG nurse has taken home the coveted prize in the last three iterations of the awards.
The awards, given in recognition of excellence in Scottish nursing, are regarded as a benchmark to celebrate the dedication, professionalism, and outstanding care delivered by teams and individuals throughout the country.
Lori was one of three finalists in the Care Home Nurse of the Year category - shortlisted from 100s of applicants - which celebrates the impact and importance of nursing in social care and spotlights those who have made an exceptional contribution to the wellbeing and quality of life of care home residents.
Lori was inspired to study nursing after joining BCG at the age of 17. Throughout this time, she has thrived within the profession, rising through a series of increasingly senior clinical and managerial positions. Her upward career trajectory reflects both her exceptional ability and her unwavering determination to deliver outstanding care, and how she unwaveringly underscores BCG’s mission to champion and safeguard resident health.
Latterly, Lori took on the wider organisational role of Operations Support Manager, before stepping into her current position as Service Quality Manager, where she now influences standards across 24 homes in six regions of Scotland.
A passionate advocate for preventative health measures, Lori pioneered BCG’s participation in the national Stop the Pressure campaign, an initiative designed to reduce and prevent pressure ulcers, as part of BCG’s wider, proactive commitment to resident safety and comfort.
Her leadership developed cross‑sector collaboration, bringing together NHS multidisciplinary teams, wound‑care partners, and equipment specialists to exchange insights and boost awareness, and champion education and best practice across the sector.
Reflecting on the moment, Lori said:
“This means so much more to me than just an award. It represents recognition of care home nurses everywhere, especially my incredible colleagues who give so much every day.
“Working in an underrepresented area of nursing comes with challenges, but it also brings purpose. I’m passionate about helping change perceptions and encouraging both newly qualified and experienced nurses to consider this truly rewarding profession.
“Most importantly, it’s about ensuring they are recognised for how inspiring they are, the depth of knowledge they bring, and the dedication and hard work they show every single day!”
Commending Lori’s efforts, Karen Johnson, Managing Director at BCG, said:
“We couldn’t be prouder of Lori for bringing home this important award and so delighted to see her recognised and celebrated in this way. She really does give this job everything and is highly-respected across every one of our homes.
“We’re privileged to have so many outstanding nurses supporting residents with highly complex clinical needs. Lori is a superb ambassador for every BCG nurse, and for care home nurses across the country, who deliver exceptional care every day. Huge congratulations!”
Congratulating Lori on her win, Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Executive Director, said:
“Often overlooked, nursing in care homes is a vital area of practice, looking after some of the most vulnerable in our society. Lori is a clear advocate for care home nursing and an amazing showcase of the expert skills and knowledge nurses have. She’s a truly deserving winner.”
The winners were announced at a glittering awards ceremony which took place on 30 April, 2026 at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Lori was in attendance with her mother, sister and Karen Johnson.
Social Care in an Age of Geopolitical Instability: A Call for Partnership in Resilience Plannin
FIVE NATIONS SOCIAL CARE LEADERS COMMUNIQUÉ
Issued by the Five Nations Social Care Leaders | April 2026
The People at the Heart of This
Social care exists to uphold the dignity, safety and independence of people who rely on daily support, including older people and disabled people, across our societies. That care is delivered by dedicated workers and providers across the United Kingdom and Ireland, who are already managing the practical consequences of geopolitical instability.
When the system that supports these individuals comes under stress — economic, logistical, or human — it is they and their families who bear the greatest burden. Their safety, continuity of support and wellbeing should be central to government resilience and emergency planning.
The Pressure on Providers and the Workforce
Rising Energy and Fuel Costs
Geopolitical instability has contributed to sustained volatility in global energy markets and supply-chain logistics, with direct consequences for social care providers across our five nations. Care delivery is energy-intensive: it depends on transport, heating, and the operational infrastructure of residential settings and community services. As fuel and energy costs rise - unlike many sectors - publicly funded and commissioned care providers cannot adjust their income to reflect rising costs in real time. This lag between cost shock and funding response is itself a risk to sector stability and the continuity of care.
Beyond energy, the current conflict in the Middle East is placing pressure on pharmaceutical and clinical supply chains globally. Cold-chain products, generic medicines, and petrochemical-derived active ingredients are all exposed to input material shortages and supply-chain delay.
For the workforce, these pressures are immediate and personal. Care workers are among the lowest-paid essential workers in our economies and are acutely exposed to the cost-of-living consequences of this instability in their daily lives. Higher travel costs affect those moving between care visits, while higher household bills add to financial pressure on the very people on whom care depends.
Impact on International Staff and Diaspora Communities
Social care across the UK and Ireland is sustained, in significant part, by workers from international and diaspora communities. Among these are individuals with personal and family ties to the Middle East, including those directly affected by the conflict in Iran. These workers are carrying not only the professional burden of an under-resourced sector, but also profound personal anxiety about the safety of loved ones in a region of active conflict.
This human dimension deserves recognition. Effective resilience planning should include the wellbeing of the workforce, including emotional support and practical recognition of the pressures faced by staff with direct ties to affected regions.
Our Call to Government
We, the social care leaders of the Five Nations, call on our respective governments -and the forums through which they engage, including the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC), and the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly to act with urgency on the following:
Governments should engage meaningfully with the social care sector in resilience planning and social care leaders must be represented in emergency planning structures. Social care must be formally recognised as an essential public infrastructure within each nation’s emergency planning and business continuity arrangements, with standing representation on the relevant national resilience and supply chain contingency bodies. Governments should work with social care providers and workforce representatives to assess and address the specific vulnerabilities that geopolitical instability — and the Iran conflict in particular — is creating for care delivery.
Resilience planning should cover the full operational realities of care delivery. This includes workforce travel, fuel access, medicines, food, utilities, communications, cyber security, PPE, community equipment and supply chains across both residential and home-based care. This holistic approach to resilience planning was exhibited during the Covid-19 pandemic, during which time social care was recognised as integral to health system resilience. This crosssystem coordination must be rebuilt and maintained.
The workforce must be supported in practical and human terms. Recognition of the dual pressures — economic and personal — facing care workers in this period is essential. Support measures should address both the cost-of-living consequences of energy price volatility and the wellbeing of those with direct ties to affected regions.
Social care is not peripheral in times of crisis; it is an essential frontline service. The people who rely on it, and those who provide it, need governments to plan in partnership with the sector now. We stand ready to contribute our expertise and experience to that work.
Issued collectively by the social care leaders of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland
Care Home Open Week 2026 set to build on 2025 success as care homes prepare to welcome their communities once again
National event returns 15–21 June 2026 with World Cup football theme, following a record year of community celebrations across the UK
Care Home Open Week is set to return from 15–21 June 2026, with care homes across the UK once again invited to open their doors, celebrate their communities and showcase the warmth, creativity and vitality of modern care.
Building on the success of last year’s ‘Power of Music’ themed Care Home Open Week, which saw over 5,000 care homes host events ranging from tribute acts to choir performances, this year’s campaign is encouraging even more care homes to get involved and make the week their own.
Last year’s celebrations showed just how diverse and imaginative care homes can be when they invite the local community in. From a musical picnic in Somerset to a lively afternoon concert in Manchester, homes used the week to create meaningful moments for residents, families, staff and visitors alike, while strengthening connections with their communities.
Among the homes that helped make 2025 such a success was Allegra Care’s St George’s Nursing Home in Somerset, which celebrated with a musical picnic in its courtyard and café, complete with live entertainment, homemade food and visits from the Mayor and Mayoress of Weston-super-Mare. The event brought residents and guests together for a day of sun, music, good company and good food, with the home also hosting a community tea and cake to welcome visitors in.
At Heathlands Village in Manchester, the celebrations included a performance from the Manchester Mesivta School Choir, whose traditional Jewish and Israeli songs moved residents and guests alike, followed by an afternoon concert and tea. The week also featured guided tours, creating a vibrant and welcoming experience that highlighted the strong sense of community within the village.
Four Oaks Care Home in Trafford, embraced the summer theme with musical classics, canapés, mocktails, garden tours and a visit from the Mayor of Trafford. The home used the week to showcase not only its hospitality and care but also its landscaped gardens and welcoming atmosphere, while creating an enjoyable day for residents and visitors.
In Scotland, HC-One’s Highgate Care Home, marked the week with singing, dancing and a special visit from a Tom Jones tribute act, alongside performances from local children and appearances from dogs and other community visitors. The home also embraced Pride Month with rainbow-themed treats and decorations, showing how Care Home Open Week can celebrate both community spirit and individuality.
Royal Hampton Care Home also made the week memorable by welcoming a local flautist and vocalist, whose performances brought back cherished memories of opera, ballet and show tunes for residents. The musical celebrations created a warm, uplifting atmosphere and demonstrated the powerful role live entertainment can play in care settings.
Championing Social Care is now encouraging care homes to register for the 2026 event and use the week as an opportunity to celebrate their residents, staff and local relationships. This year’s World Cup theme is designed to be inclusive and flexible, allowing homes to shape their own activities around the interests and abilities of those living and working there. Care homes of all shapes and sizes are being encouraged to take part, whether through simple watch parties, football-themed games, group activities or community open days that reflect the character of each home.
Championing Social Care, which leads the initiative, is again providing free resources, downloads, templates and activity ideas to make participation easy and achievable for every home, regardless of budget or capacity.
Mitesh Dhanak, board member of Championing Social Care and chair of the Care Home Open Week committee, said: “Care Home Open Week is a wonderful opportunity for care homes to show the real heart of social care, which is welcoming, creative, community-minded and full of life. Last year’s events were a brilliant example of what can happen when homes open their doors and invite people in, and we want to congratulate all the teams who worked so hard to make them special.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing what homes across the country do this year, and with the World Cup theme there are so many fun, inclusive and memorable ways to bring residents, families and communities together.”
Care Home Open Week 2026 will also be supported by the Great British Care Cycle Relay, taking place from 11–15 June, which will visit Edinburgh, Manchester, the East Midlands, Cardiff and London in the lead-up to the main week of activity.
Care homes can register now and find out more at the Championing Social Care website https://www.championingsocialcare.org.uk/care-home-open-week/
Manor Grange Care Home Welcomes New Community Support Group for Young Dementia Carers
Manor Grange Care Home, Edinburgh, is proud to announce its partnership with Young Dementia Carers – Edinburgh, a new local support group aimed at carers under the age of 55 who are caring for a loved one living with dementia.
The group was started by Michaela Scott, whose father, James, became a resident at Manor Grange after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 63. Michaela’s experience of caring for a parent with dementia in her thirties highlighted a gap in available peer support, inspiring her to create a safe, understanding community for others in similar circumstances.
“When my dad first moved into Manor Grange Care Home, I didn’t know anyone else my age going through the same thing,” Michaela explained. “Most support groups were for older carers, so I decided to start one specifically for younger adults who might be balancing work, childcare, and caring for a parent with dementia. It’s been amazing to see how much this group has grown.”
Initially meeting in local coffee shops, Michaela’s group soon found that the settings were too public for the kind of open conversation carers needed. That’s when she approached Manor Grange Care Home, who were delighted to offer their private library space as a monthly meeting venue, along with refreshments and a warm welcome.
“We’re really pleased to support Michaela and her group,” said Gordon Philp, Home Manager at Manor Grange Care Home. “It’s not only a way for us to give back to the community, but it also helps break down barriers and show what modern care environments are really like - friendly, homely, and supportive.”
The group now meets monthly at Manor Grange Care Home, with occasional guest speakers from organisations like Alzheimer Scotland. Members also connect daily through a Facebook community (with over 80 members) and a WhatsApp chat, sharing advice, encouragement, and understanding.
Anyone under 55 caring for a parent, partner, or loved one with dementia is welcome to join them.
Care Home Open Week 2026 kicks off with World Cup football theme
Care Home Open Week 15 – 21 June 2026: Bringing generations and communities together through the world’s favourite sport
Registrations are now open for Championing Social Care’s flagship engagement event, Care Home Open Week (CHOW), which returns from 15 - 21 June 2026 with a brand-new World Cup football theme. The popular nationwide initiative invites care homes across the UK to open their doors, celebrate their communities and show the public that modern care is warm, welcoming and full of life.
With the World Cup kicking off on June 11th, the nation will be gripped in football fever during the week of CHOW. To join in with the excitement, Championing Social Care is encouraging care homes to showcase accessible, inclusive football-themed games that brings residents, staff, families and local communities together. There are a host of activities everyone can enjoy regardless of age or ability such as walking football, sitting football, blow football using straws, World Cup watch parties and table‑top games like Subbuteo.
Championing Social Care will again provide free resources, downloads, templates and activity ideas to make taking part as simple as possible, whatever the size or budget of the home. Every participating care home, whether they organise a large-scale football tournament or a simple World Cup viewing party, helps to challenge stereotypes and showcase the real heart of social care.
“Just like football, great care is all about teamwork, community and heart,” says Mitesh Dhanak, board member of Championing Social Care and chair of the Care Home Open Week committee. “This year we’re embracing World Cup fever to show the nation’s real heroes with dedication and passion – the people in social care. We want every care home to feel part of one big national team.”
Last year over 5,500 care services took part in Care Home Open Week opening their doors to neighbours, local businesses, community groups and MPs. With public interest in social care higher than ever, Championing Social Care hopes this year’s event will see even more homes join in.
“Care Home Open Week is a fantastic opportunity to reposition the care sector in the public’s mind,” Mitesh continues. “It’s a chance to welcome people in, build trust, strengthen relationships, and show the public the energy, creativity and compassion that define today’s care homes.”
The week also offers a timely moment for staff recognition and morale‑boosting. Homes are encouraged to use the week to celebrate team achievements, spotlight unsung heroes from carers to chefs and activities leads, and share pride in the quality of care they deliver.
The Great British Care Cycle Relay
Care Home Open Week 2026 will again be supported by Championing Social Care’s epic Great British Care Cycle Relay, which promotes community connections and the importance of care and wellbeing. This year’s relay will run from 11–15 June, immediately ahead of Care Home Open Week. The five day‑long cycle routes will call in at Edinburgh, Manchester, East Midlands, Cardiff and London to shine a light on the vital role they play in every community.
Cyclists of all abilities are invited to sign up via the Championing Social Care website, with no entry fee or fundraising target. Each leg offers another chance to celebrate care teams, meet residents and build local support in the lead‑up to the main week of activity.
Care homes can register now, access free football‑themed resources and find out more about this year’s partners – Virgin Money, Christie & Co and Howden – at the Championing Social Care website - https://www.championingsocialcare.org.uk/care-home-open-week/
Siemens Strengthens Fire Safety Products Team
Siemens has made new appointments within its fire safety products sales team, creating an even stronger sales base to develop the market and support its partner companies in promoting the Cerberus PRO IOT-enabled fire detection system.
Ryan Taylor moves across from another Siemens division where he worked with end-users, from design and supply through to commissioning of fire safety systems. This included the Building X digital building platform. He brings more than 20 years’ experience in the fire industry to his new role as Regional Sales Manager (RSM), Fire, Midlands & West.
John Dunbar has been working for Siemens for some six years on the Comfort side of the business. In his new role he will now also be responsible for Fire products in Scotland and the North East. He has extensive experience in project sales and management including positions in building services management.
Taking on responsibility for the North of England is Mark Beaumont. Having worked for Siemens for over 20 years, his most recent position saw him in a business development role across the Siemens portfolio, including building management systems, power and fire. In his new position as RSM, he will focus solely on fire systems, from detection and alarm to extinguishing and evacuation.
Mark Gutteridge is the Area Sales Manager for Fire and Comfort for the South. He has been in his new role for some six months, having previously been Siemens Solutions Partner Manager for the UK and Ireland for the company’s digital industries business. He continues to adopt the solutions-orientated philosophy of Siemens in providing safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient buildings.
Completing the line-up is Marios Malone as RSM for fire in the South. He has more than 20 years of experience in the fire safety industry, three of which have been with Siemens. Since October 2022 he has been working with Siemens partners to offer intelligent systems which are realising the potential afforded by cloud-based solutions.
Commenting on the additions to the team, Robert Yates, Head of Building Products Fire Safety in the UK, said - “It is a very exciting time for the business with the use of digitalisation in our offering. It was important for us to have a strong team in place to support our partners and to maximise the opportunities this presents in the market. We have recruited from within Siemens, drawing not only on the understanding of how the company operates but also from those who have direct experience of working within the fire safety arena.”
For further information on Siemens Fire Products
For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure, please see
www.siemens.com/smart-infrastructure
BARCHESTER’S CHARITABLE FOUNDATION’S RECORD-BREAKING 25TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR
Barchester’s Charitable Foundation celebrated its silver anniversary in style by achieving a record-breaking donation milestone of £424,000 for the first time in its 25 year history. The funds raised in 2025 enabled the charity to provide vital help to 262 small groups and charities, plus 123 individuals - the most people the Foundation has ever helped in one year.
Established in 2000, the aim of Barchester’s Charitable Foundation is to help older people and adults living with a disability or mental health conditions in local communities across the country. The charity provides grants to improve mobility and quality of life, and each year the Foundation distributes thousands of pounds to individuals, small community groups and charities across England, Scotland and Wales, however 2025 has proven to be the charity’s best year ever, both in terms of funds raised and grants gifted.
The money to help good causes comes from the generous support of Barchester Healthcare, its staff and corporate supporters who fundraise or support through events such as the annual Barchester Golf Tournament, the Cook Off Challenge and the Tour de Barchester mammoth four day cycle ride. In addition, Barchester team members organise fundraising activities at Barchester’s care homes and hospitals and personal challenges such as the Three Peaks and the Great North Run, all money raised by Barchester staff is matched pound for pound by the company. The Charitable Foundation also receives legacies from residents, showing that the excellent care provided in Barchester’s care homes and hospitals can inspire extraordinary charitable giving.
Once again in 2025, the entire company collectively participated in Barchester Get Moving, a week of intensive fundraising where staff and residents tracked their steps and took part in all kinds of different initiatives which helped boost the money raised.
The vast majority of grants for disabled and older individuals are for mobility aids such as mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs and specialist walkers, enabling people to get out and about in their local community and to take part in social activities. This type of help can be transformative to people’s day-to-day life and wellbeing, as well as giving back independence and freedom. Grants to small community groups and local charities have been more varied, funding a broad range of activities, outings, transport, equipment and materials for older people and adults with disabilities and mental health challenges. The projects cover a very wide variety of social and educational activities such as arts and crafts, gardening, woodwork, exercise, yoga, music, sewing, theatre and dance.
Simon McCall, Chairperson of Barchester’s Charitable Foundation and Barchester’s Commercial Director explains: “2025 marked our 25th anniversary - we started the year with ambitious plans wanting to ensure we had an exceptional silver anniversary and I am immensely proud to say we absolutely smashed all our expectations. I am so hugely grateful to all of the Barchester homes, hospitals, residents, patients and team members who have taken part in so many different fundraising events to enable us to support hundreds of small charities and individuals – an astounding 385 different causes and individuals in total. These grants make such a difference to people’s lives helping to overcome loneliness and isolation all over the country. I am amazed and delighted by how much we have all been able to collectively achieve.”
Case studies of some of the people the Foundation helped in 2025:
- Johnny from Tyne & Wear talks about the benefits to his day-to-day life, after receiving a grant for a Tri Ride wheelchair power add-on:
https://www.bhcfoundation.org.uk/finding-new-normal-after-injury
- Headway Cambridge and Peterborough received a grant for adapted sports equipment to provide more varied physical activities such as New Age Curling, adapted volleyball and basketball for adults living with a brain injury:
https://www.bhcfoundation.org.uk/new-adapted-sports
- Reddish Men in Sheds in Greater Manchester received a grant for their Bike Giveaway scheme. They are a group of (mainly) older men who meet three afternoons each week to service and repair donated old bicycles:
https://www.bhcfoundation.org.uk/recycling-cycles
Residents to Decide the Winner in Advinia Health Care’s First-Ever Chef of the Year Competition - With Winning Dish Set for National Menus
Resident-led judging model places dining choice at the heart of care.
Residents are taking centre stage in Advinia Health Care’s first-ever Chef of the Year competition, a brand-new initiative that is putting care home dining firmly in the spotlight - and in the hands of those who matter most.
The competition, which has just launched with its inaugural North Round, is the first time Advinia Health Care has brought together its talented in-house chefs to compete in a structured, multi-heat culinary challenge. Regional heats are now underway, with further rounds, including the Scottish heat in Glasgow next week, building momentum ahead of a prestigious Grand Final in Manchester this April.
Uniquely, this is not only a chef-led judging panel. Instead, residents are the primary judges, sampling, scoring and providing direct feedback on each dish. The overall winning dish from the Manchester final will earn a place on menus across Advinia homes, ensuring residents directly influence what is served in their communities.
The North Round saw exceptional talent on display. Mark McGuffie from Stonedale claimed first place with his Smoked Haddock Fishcake served with Minted Mushy Peas, Buttered Carrots, Homemade Chips and Tartare Sauce.
Second place went to Claudine Walker from Roberttown, whose Southern Fried Chicken with Broccoli, Carrots and Creamed Potatoes proved a firm favourite.
The atmosphere was one of celebration, engagement and entertainment. Residents fully embraced their role as judges, offering enthusiastic and thoughtful feedback throughout the day. In one memorable moment, resident Ron was so keen to keep sampling that his plate had to be gently taken away to ensure he could try all of the dishes on offer. The event also featured a heartfelt rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow by the lovely June, adding a special and uplifting touch to the occasion.
Mark Dale, Head of Hospitality for Advinia Health Care said:
“Food is fundamental to wellbeing in our homes. This competition not only celebrates the skill and dedication of our chefs, but most importantly empowers residents to shape their dining experience. Being our first Chef of the Year competition makes this especially exciting; it marks the beginning of something we hope will become a highlight in our calendar each year.”
EF-group is the main sponsor of the competition, with additional support from TC Meats and GW Price, providing quality ingredients. Together, these partners have helped make the event a true celebration of culinary excellence in care homes.
Rob Henry, Head of Culinary Solutions and Compliance added:
“We are proud to support Advinia Healthcare in launching their first Chef of the Year competition. Care catering plays a vital role in quality of life, and this initiative showcases how innovation, skill and resident engagement can come together in a truly meaningful way. The fact that residents are leading the judging, and that the winning dish will feature across menus, sets this apart as a forward-thinking and sector-leading initiative.”
Advinia Health Care operates care homes across the UK, providing residential, nursing and dementia care. The organisation places strong emphasis on nutrition, quality dining and creating meaningful daily experiences that enhance residents’ wellbeing.
With further heats to come and anticipation building for April’s Manchester final, Advinia Health Care’s Chef of the Year competition is already establishing itself as a powerful celebration of culinary talent in the care sector, driven by the voices of residents themselves.
Brendoncare’s Patron HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh opens new Knightwood Community Hub
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh GVCO officially opened The Brendoncare Foundation’s new Knightwood Community Hub in Chandler’s Ford on Monday 9th February.
To mark the occasion, The Duchess, Patron of the Winchester-based charity, planted a magnolia tree in the garden of Brendoncare Knightwood care home.
The new hub is the third community hub the charity has established in Hampshire, joining those at Gosport and Brendoncare Otterbourne Hill.
It provides a welcoming place where residents, volunteers, club members and local people can come together to enjoy a wide range of shared activities including seated exercise and kurling.
During the visit, Her Royal Highness met club members, volunteers and staff before being invited to join in a game of kurling, one of the most popular activities on offer.
The Duchess also talked to residents of Knightwood Court care home and from Knightwood Mews extra care housing development. Among the residents she met was Derek Ball, who has lived at Brendoncare Knightwood since 2006 and was a participant in the foundation stone laying event in 2005 which Her Royal Highness attended.
The Duchess planted the tree accompanied by Michael Crutchley, Chief Executive of Brendoncare, Phil Dowson, Brendoncare’s Chair of Trustees and Danielle Parnell, Brendoncare Knightwood’s General Manager. Also in attendance were Mr Nigel Atkinson, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire and Mrs Christine Atkinson.
Before her departure, resident Herbert ‘Bert’ Smith presented her with flowers and a hand painted card made by resident Judy Anderson.
Speaking after the visit, Michael Crutchley said: “We were delighted to welcome The Duchess on such a happy occasion. We are thrilled she continues to take such a keen interest in our activities across our network of community clubs in Hampshire, and our seven care homes.”
Brendoncare, based in Winchester, is a charity providing high‑quality care and support for older people. It operates seven care homes, five extra care housing developments, and a wide range of community support services—including nearly 40 in‑person and online clubs, telephone support and digital resources—to help older people live well and stay connected.
BARCHESTER HEALTHCARE IS UK CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AWARDS FINALIST
Barchester Healthcare’s double award-winning Customer Experience team has been shortlisted for another national award, this time in the hotly-contested ‘Best Customer Satisfaction Strategy’ category in the 2026 UK Customer Satisfaction Awards. The premium care home provider, which operates 268 care homes and private hospitals spanning the whole of the UK, entered its ‘Tell Barchester’ initiative into the awards alongside survey provider Customer Sure and their entry has successfully made the grade.
Each year Barchester conducts a mammoth customer survey to collate feedback from its 13,800 residents and patients, and their loved ones. Entitled ‘Tell Barchester,’ the survey is an opportunity to gather the opinions of the people living in Barchester’s homes and hospitals, along with those of their families and loved ones. Every single piece of feedback given in the survey is considered and acted upon by the relevant team.
Established in 2009 and organised by the Institute of Customer Services (ICS), the prestigious UK Customer Satisfaction Awards are very well respected. Barchester Healthcare is the only care provider or health company that has been chosen as a finalist competing against brands such as John Lewis, Jet 2, Octopus Energy and Asda. Also shortlisted in the Best Customer Satisfaction Strategy category are companies such as Scottish Power, Water Plus, First Direct, Wight Fibre and UK Power Networks. The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony at the Hilton Park Lane hotel in March.
Sarah Lander-Scott, Director of Customer Experience for Barchester Healthcare, said: “This makes me so very proud, my team works incredibly hard to ensure that every single piece of feedback we receive is not only fed back to the correct team but is acted upon, it is a complex task. Our mission is to ensure our customer experience is of the highest standard for our residents, patients and their families every day. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this project and to let them know how important their work is for our 13,800 residents and patients.”